Steve Hansen should follow the example of Del Bosque and Spain

If Steve Hansen and his fellow All Black coaches ever needed a blueprint on ‘how to sustain international sporting success’, they need look no further than the efforts of Spanish national coach Vicente Del Bosque, the man who inherited their title winning side of 2008 before subsequently leading Spain to unprecedented World Cup and European glory in 2010 and 2012.

By dismantling Italy four goals to nil in the final of European football’s showpiece tournament on Sunday night, ‘La Rojas’ clinched their third successive major title; a record which they hold alone over almost a century of competition. This record is all the more astonishing though, when you consider the raft of early exits, painful defeats and tears shed by both their players and supporters prior to their inaugural success at Euro 2008.

Getting the monkey off the back - All Blacks mirror Spain

In many ways, the pain suffered on the pitch by the Spaniards resembled the strife of the All Blacks from 1991 onwards. Despite enjoying a stranglehold on European club football and despite also offering some of the most technically gifted players on the planet, Spain often flattered to deceive on the world stage.  Raul Gonzalez, Pep Guardiola and Fernando Hierro are just one legendary Spanish triumvirate of the modern era who have nothing to show for their exploits at International level.

At times one could conclude that they simply lacked a touch of luck, but years of repetitive failure had led Spain to question their playing philosophy, their unity and even the fragility of their psyche. Who does that remind you of, pray tell?

The All Blacks like Spain have now overcome their own much publicised 24 years of hurt.  Their absorbing 8-7 victory over France in last year’s Rugby World Cup final was one for the purists and the relief in the air at Eden Park that night was palpable. The foundations for that victory were laid by Graham Henry and his assistants over the preceding eight years though and judging by the recent ‘blackwash’ over Ireland, the monkey of past World Cup failure is now well and truly of their back.

A ‘New Breed’ is taking over

At times during the IRB’s flagship international tournament last year, NZ looked like they were weighed down by the enormous weight of four and a half million supporters’ expectations.  Their victory over Australia apart, the knock-out stages produced rugby where it seemed the All Blacks were doing their best not to lose, rather than seizing the moment themselves. Even the selections gave that impression. Opting for Richard Kahui in the 11 shirt over say Hosea Gear or Zac Guildford suggested that defence and negating the opposition rather than exploiting them was the key factor in the selection process.

Sam Cane impressed in June

Now though it seems Hansen and co see an opportunity to evolve the All Blacks’ game. Julian Savea, Aaron Smith, Sam Cane, Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick and Luke Romano all made impressive starts to their international careers in the June internationals in arguably the greatest influx of young talent to the side since the John Mitchell era of 2003, where the likes of Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Keven Mealamu and Jerry Collins made their debuts.

The first and third test against Ireland in particular gave an insight into the talent which these rookies possess (as well as the coaches’ change in emphasis on attack). Might I add Aaron Cruden to that list of impressive young bucks too, who will surely be the first fly half to seriously challenge for Dan Carter’s crown. Carter remains as composed as ever, as his last minute heroics in the 2^nd test displayed so evidently, but Cruden is showing skills in attack which even Southbridge’s most famous son must be a little in awe of. It seems inevitable that Cruden will eventually pair up with his Manawatu team mate Aaron Smith in the long-term for the All Blacks.

The future it seems looks pretty rosy for the All Blacks.

Striking the right balance

Steve Hansen should however take note of the troubles of Pieter De Villiers; the man who took over from Jake White after South Africa were crowned World Champions in 2007. De Villiers promised an ‘evolution’ of the Springboks’ game to much fanfare when he was appointed. He wanted them to move from their defence and kick chase oriented game to philosophy of giving the ball some air and running teams ragged. Apart from one strong year in 2009, he failed....miserably. They ended up reverting to type and stagnating. Put simply, his process of evolution was poorly thought through and badly executed.

Peter DeVilliers efforts a warning

In the quarter-final against the Wallabies in 2012, SA showed an alarming lack of creativity with the ball in hand. Whether Bryce Lawrence played an influential part in their loss is irrelevant. For all their possession, they should have been far more clinical. Would they have fared better under Jake White?

Evolution is possible if done correctly but one has to stay true to the principles which take you to the top of the table too. Play to your strengths and make minor changes along the way. I have faith that this current coaching team can strike the right balance between the two. Whether they can achieve it will be key to their continued success. We be on the verge of an era of dominance for the All Blacks.

If Hansen needs any advice though, he only need give the Marquis Del Bosque a call.